Facetnating ;^)

Okay, so since I bought my belt/disc sander I admit I've been a little facet happy.

In the works are some combination necklaces using a variety of faceted materials. The green set is faceted polymer and faceted unfinished scrap wood. The red and gray set is faceted polymer and faceted acrylic. I'm scrounging around for more things to facet. I want to do a piece using as many different materials as I can. I'm still working on whether or not to use smaller beads in between, as I really like the simplicity of a few chunky 'crystals'.

Sneak Peek -Faceted Polymer and Wood Rings

So today I was thinking about faceting some scrap wood to make beads (which I did). I wanted to do irregular crystal forms like my polymer beads. I envisioned incorporating them into necklaces along with my polymer crystals.... I'm not sure where I made the jump, but I started thinking how interesting it would be to have a faceted bead that is half wood, half polymer... I was just about to do one when the ring image popped into my head.

I think they came out pretty interesting for a first attempt. I'm going to wear these around a bit to test out the sturdiness of the join, although they held up to initial attempts to pull them apart. The wood needs a fine sanding to smooth edges, and maybe a wax coat... not sure yet.

These were done with soft scrap wood. If the clay holds up I'll be looking into some finer hardwoods.

Next experiment -the half wood, half polymer beads I was envisioning.

Sweet Little Color Break

Daily Art Inspiration 1/13/10-Sunlight Through Engraved Acrylic, originally uploaded by Lynn_EL/UnaOdd.

This morning I was working with my newly engraved acrylic sheets that I use to make bracelets. As I was handling them I noticed the way the sun lit up the engraved sections and cast fabulous shadows. I had to snap a few shots. Shortly after, the clouds came in and it grayed up. Luckily I caught some of the warmth to look at and enjoy today.

I hope it warms your day too.

Sneak Peek -Technique Experimentation

When I purchased my last shipment of acrylic I bought some ivory colored sheets, even though I'm not crazy about the color on its own. Immediately the idea of a scrimshaw-type technique popped into my head. I know I want the effect to be somewhat naive, delicate and old-fashioned feeling...completely the opposite of 'plastic'. I tried my hand at it for the first time yesterday.

Admittedly this is super simple, some of the lines are awkward and I'm working with a beat up old engraving point from my college years. I'll probably keep this one for myself and do quite a bit more experimenting with different tools and line qualities. I do like how this combines such an old craft with a more modern material, softening it.

Starting the New Year with a Warm Heart

I am taking part in a wonderful project called "Warm Hearts Around the World". The idea of Ngan from eNVe Designs, it seeks to raise awareness and help the children and families affected by cancer. For every person who participates in "Warm Hearts Around the World", eNVe Designs will donate $1 to St. Jude Children's Hospital on behalf of Laura Slocum of Laura Slocum Painted, Creatively Tangled, and Creatively Tangled2.

Ngan's wonderful blog eNVe Designs is the place to follow the necklace. I love the photos and the wonderful stories told by those who are participating. Thank you Ngan for this truly heartwarming idea.

I was inspired to think of the people participating as being people involved in spreading caring... like it was contagious. I hope many many more people 'catch' this wellness and join in. To participate, just click HERE and follow her directions.